Your Questions

Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell. Isn't about time that you gave us a hint of the plot of Uhtred #5? And how about a tentative title? Alan Kempner

Submitted March 19, 2009

A

Um, a hint? I'll let you know when I finish it, okay? It's close, but still not there, and I think (I don't have to decide this for another month) that the title will be The Burning Land.

Q

Hello! I was wondering if captain Morris evaded Sharpe's revenge by transferring to the marines and serving on a certain HMS Sutherland? I re-read the Saxon tales recently and wondered why wyrd bid ful aread is pretty much spelt differently in all of them? If you ever need a plucky cornish soldier in one of your books then feel free to use Trethowan! Heard a good one the other day. What do you call one hundred thousand Frenchmen with their arms in the air? The army. James Trethowan.

Submitted March 19, 2009

A

I think we'll meet Morris again, though I can't quite see him as a marine . . . . but thanks for the idea!

Q

Hi Bernard, I would just like to ask if you have ever published any books under another name as I am currently reading one that sure feels like one of yours and has a few similarities to Gallows Thief. It is called Ratcatcher by James McGee and I would certainly recommend it.
Richard Blackwell

Submitted March 19, 2009

A

Only the Susannah Kells books.

Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I am a huge fan and am very much looking forward to the continuation of Uhtred's story. Is there a time frame for the next book?
Andrew Abbott

When can we expect the next (final?) of the Saxon series? Thank you.

Curtis Howell

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I just finished your Saxon Stories a little while back, and have been wondering since then when you will have a fifth book out in the series, I just can't wait to read more about Uhtred's adventures! Thanks for your time. :)

Pearce Lutz

hi Bernard have to say i love your work, my favs are the warlord series.But when are you gonna finish the next Saxon book when we gonna see Uhtred kick some ass.

Lee Foreman

Just wondered what book you are working on at the moment?

Russ Whitehouse

I've enjoyed everything I've read so far. In the past year, since I discovered you, I've read the Grail Quest, Saxon Stores, and the "first" dozen Sharpe novels (chronologically). Currently have Agincourt and Stonehenge to work through. (I prefer the cover to the UK edition to the US one--much better.) Anyway, I don't see an update of what you have in the works now, and was curious. Thanks, Todd

Are you through with the Saxon Tales???? Seems like the story wasn't finished, I would love to read another, when they take Bebbenburg.

Emily Smedley

Submitted March 19, 2009

A

I am working on the next book of the Saxon stories now. Hope to have it ready for publication in the UK in October (January 2010 for the US).

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I must begin by thanking you for the many wonderful hours of enjoyment your books and characters have given me. After I finished the Sharp series, I felt as if some of my best friends had left me. The same with Derfel and Thomas. Most of my day is spent in a vehicle, driving from job to job, and I have enjoyed most of your books as recorded books. I was curious if you have any say in who narrates your books, and if you listen to any of the recordings. Are the pronunciations and accents to your liking?

Have you ever thought of narrating your books as a "read by the author"? Then we could see how you as the author would portray the characters and their interactions. Once again, thank you for your books, they have truly enriched my life, and I look forward to further adventures.
D'Arin Morgan

Submitted March 19, 2009

A

I don't listen to the audio version of any of my books and I have no involvement in selecting the performer, although I've heard others say some of the performers are quite good.
I haven't thought of it, or been asked to do it. I suspect it's better done by a professional actor, though I wouldn't mind trying one day!

Q

Hello, First of all Azincourt was a fantastic read, and although I`m a huge Sharpe fan I must say Azincourt kept me gripped from page 1 and I`ve strongly recommended it to my friends. Secondly, is there any chance of visiting Bath in the near future? I came to see you at Waterstones in 2005 I think it was and we are starting to miss you. Best wishes and keep up the good work. Ben .

Could you please tell me if you have any plans to visit the north west (uk) ie Manchester for any talks or book signings in the near future. Many thanks Robin

Submitted March 18, 2009

A

It's a little too early to know the book tour schedule (most likely in October); but keep an eye on the Diary page of this website and look for the itinerary to be posted there.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell; Thanks so much for your writings. My personal favorites are the Grail Quest series, the Saxon Stories and your most recent Azincourt. Will you be coming out with any more "long bow" characters and novels? Kindest Regards, David Hawkyard

Submitted March 18, 2009

A

It's certainly possible!

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I'm sorry, but Agincourt was quite perhaps the worst book I have ever read. Don't get me wrong, I worshipped you after reading the Saxon Tales. Never before have I been so fully engrossed in and satisfied by a novel. But I just don't understand where your storytelling skills go when the hero is an archer, because the Grail Quest was pretty bad too. Now, seriously, back to Agincourt. Nothing whatsoever happened in that book. It was entirely bloviation. There were two, maybe three battle scenes. You spend half the book just describing the siege of Harfleur. And then a third of it repeating the lines "The French were going to attack" at Agincourt, but they didn't do anything until the final pages. And how could we possibly believe 24,000 Frenchmen lost that battle? If i hear back from you, I'll comment more on this. I just want an explanation for the atrocity that is Agincourt. I mean, are you the same Bernard Cornwell who created Uhtred, or have you lost your touch? Teja Alapati

Submitted March 18, 2009

A

Well, you're hearing back from me! How could 24,000 Frenchmen (probably 30,000) lose that battle? But they did. You have a problem with that? So did the French. I guess I can't help you.

Q

Mr. Cornwell I enjoy your books and have just completed the Saxon Stories but I have a question for you. In the Arthur Books you mention England as a single country yet in the Saxon Stories Alfred has yet to create the unification. Am I nit picking? Given that the Arthurian period follows the collapse of Rome perhaps the country was still one identification as a single unit was possible. Whereas in Alfred's time the Viking Invasion had broken the country into little counties and fiefdoms. However your thoughts would be welcome. I look forward to the next Uhtred adventure but I am 65 and cannot wait forever for the series to finish. John Coupe

Submitted March 18, 2009

A

Well, the series is about the making of England. You can say that what we call England was a political entity under the Romans, but that, of course, was before the English arrived, and besides it was not ruled by the indigenous people. That entity (Brittania) was shattered by the withdrawal of the legions, the arrival of the Angles and Saxons, and by internal rivalry by the British (which is the background to the Arthurian novels). Alfred, towards the end of his reign, adopted the title King of the Angelcynn, which is a statement of his ambition to see all those areas of Britain speaking English united in one country - Englaland, he would have called it - and no, he didn't achieve that ambition, but his grandson did. Therein lies the tale - and it's a process that begins with Alfred.

Q

Hi Bernard, love your books, narrative always compelling, appreciate your care with historicity. One question: as an Anglican priest I detect a strong dislike of Christianity throughout your novels, that goes beyond necessary historical accuracy. Would be interested in your honest response! Thanks. Frank Hinds

Mr. Cornwell, First off I couldn't be a bigger fan! Thank you for your great books! I recently read your short "Growing Up Peculiar" and afterward reflected back on some your books that I have read. It seems like your main characters (I have only had the pleasure of reading about Sharpe, Starbuck and Uhtred so far) all rebel against the church in one way or another. Which may lead one to come to the conclusion that you have a negative look at Christianity, however, you have other positive characters such as McCandless and Don Blas Vivar whom you show in a positive light even though they are of the faith in one form or fashion. Not to mention Alfred who's faith, I gathered from the history in your Saxon series, was the driving force behind England's survival. After reflecting on such things I was wondering what your overall opinion of the church is (The Peculiars aside... after reading your account who could have a positive thing to say of them)? I suppose I am a "fundamentalist" in that I believe the bible to be inerrant, and would just like satisfy my curiosity. Was Reverend Starbuck modeled from your adopted father? I will continue to read everything you write with vigor and thank you again!!

Joe

Submitted March 18, 2009

A

I think the Reverend Starbuck has some of my adopted father in him . . . . so does my portrait of Stonewall Jackson! But my overall opinion of the church? Wow, that's a wide topic and I'm sure you'd dislike the answer. For a start the church is such a broad thing - stretching from snake-handlers in Tennessee to Mozart's Requiem being sung in a baroque Cathedral. Not sure there's a swift answer, except to say that I have no doubts about the goodness of individual Christians and many doubts about the opportunities for ambition and corruption that the church (and every other institution) provides.